GMC Yukon XL spongy pedal problems

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Brakes · TX

While driving out of my driveway, the brake pedal became hard and I had limited stopping power. I was able to stop the vehicle before it hit anything, but then the Brake Assist light came on. I pulled back into my driveway and inspected the brake system and found no leaks, and the master cylinder was full. I restarted the truck and it began to operate normally. Today, I experienced the same issue and when I looked up the cause, it said the vacuum pump failure was probably the issue. Called GM and they indicated that there is a recall for this exact issue, but my vehicle is not part of the recall. Can someone explain how my vehicle is experiencing the same issue that is covered in the recall, but not eligible to be included in the recall?

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · 143,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH and exiting the highway, the brake pedal was depressed but the brake pedal was stiff and stuck, requiring that the transmission be shifted to neutral(N), and to stand on the brake pedal with both feet. The contact continuously pumped the brake pedal, but the vehicle slowly responded and almost crashed into other vehicles. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's wife and daughter were also inside the vehicle during the failure and were frightened and concerned for their safety during the failure. The dealer was contacted and was provided a description of the failure over the phone. The dealer informed the contact that the vacuum pump and an unknown part had possibly failed. The contact was advised that the failure was possibly related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall, and there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

Filed Dec 8, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · 148,246 miles · UT

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while idling, the vehicle started shuddering violently. The contact stated that while driving to the residence at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was pushed into a church parking lot. The contact's father used a scanner to scan the vehicle, and a DTC for engine misfire was retrieved. The contact's father replaced the spark plugs, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was blown. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic, where the engine was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was stiff and required to be pumped several times for the vehicle to respond as intended. The contact stated that the failure occurred while starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brakes had been replaced annually, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the brake pedal shuddered upon starting the vehicle. The contact received a notification for ABS from the OnStar Mobile App. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,246.

Filed Nov 25, 2025 · Brakes · TN

The vehicle is experiencing symptoms consistent with the brake vacuum pump failure described in GM Special Coverage Adjustment N182202780, which applies to full-size GM SUVs in this model range. The symptoms include a hard brake pedal upon startup, reduced brake assist, increased stopping distance, and audible vacuum or mechanical cycling noise when the vehicle powers on. This malfunction affects the vehicle’s braking performance and requires significantly increased pedal force, especially during initial operation or low-speed braking. This results in delayed braking response and reduced stopping capability, creating a safety hazard to occupants and others on the roadway. Although the symptoms match the defect described in the bulletin and the vehicle is within the published 10-year/150,000-mile coverage parameters, multiple authorized dealerships and GM corporate have refused to perform a diagnostic or repair because the VIN does not appear in their internal eligibility system. GM Customer Care case number 82474826 documents these interactions. No diagnostic evaluation has occurred because the manufacturer and dealers declined to perform one unless the VIN is pre-flagged, regardless of symptoms. No warning lights or dashboard alerts accompanied the failure. The condition began gradually and has become more noticeable over time. I am concerned that other vehicles experiencing the same defect may also be excluded from inspection or repair due to VIN list limitations, despite meeting the published program criteria.

Filed Apr 12, 2025 · Brakes · WA

I am filing a complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2017 GMC Yukon XL related to the brake vacuum pump. According to recall information (the federal safety agency Recall ID: N192268490), certain 2015-2017 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles are equipped with a defective vacuum pump that may decrease in output over time. This defect reduces power brake assist, resulting in increased braking effort, a hard brake pedal, and extended stopping distances. These conditions significantly increase the risk of a crash. I have experienced symptoms consistent with this issue, including vibrating brake pedal with no slippage, a hard pedal, ticking noises from the engine, a 'Service Brake Assist' warning message, and difficulty braking. This issues usually occur under 10 mph. These problems compromise the vehicle’s braking performance and pose a direct threat to the safety of myself, my passengers, and other road users.

Filed Sep 6, 2022 · Brakes · 59,000 miles · RI · crash

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while reversing, the brake pedal became hard and unresponsive. As a result, the contact crashed into a guardrail. There were no reported injuries. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake assist pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and a ticket was submitted. The contact stated the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V645000 ( Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

Filed Nov 6, 2020 · Brakes · 107,000 miles · OR

The brakes on my 2015 gmc yukon suddenly became extremely difficult to operate with very hard brake pedal and increased stopping distance. I was able to bring the vehicle to the dealer for service. They informed me that there was no output from the engine vacuum pump to the brake booster and it would be addressed under a special coverage warranty from gm repaired. However, after fixing the covered part of the vacuum pump assembly, they indicated that the problem was still prevalent and determined they also needed to replace the brake booster that was also at fault. The brake booster was not covered under the special coverage and resulted in a significant charge. It seems that the braking system issues are related and needs to be looked into further.

Filed Mar 9, 2020 · Brakes · 40,000 miles · TX

First time was in reverse in our drive way. Then pulling into parking lot, brakes were hard to push with pulsing pedal and warning message on dash, check brake assist. We got vehicle stopped, hard brake pedal, without hitting anyone. This happened six times on 03-05-2020. This occurs at slow speed in stop and go traffic or in a parking lot, not a good feeling. It feel like the vacuum pump can not supply enough vacuum to operate brake booster. We have only owned vehicle for about three weeks. The vehicle is not safe to drive in this condition.

Filed Mar 17, 2019 · Brakes · 48,000 miles · FL

Power breaking fails when driving at low speeds, brake pedal stiff and hard to push down to stop vehicle in both forward and reverse directions when inching forward at a stop light/sign, or parking in a parking lot in forward and reverse car keeps moving. Stopping required very hard push on the stiff brake pedal.. Braking at higher speeds less affected but sudden stops can require more force than usual as the car slows down. Problem began december 2017 rarely and intermittently, and increased to all the time by february 2019 at low speeds the power brake did not work and required much force on the brake pedal to stop vehicle every time. Brake fluid was fine and so was brake pads. Gm dealership visit showed a failure of the vacuum pump for brake line and they installed a redesigned pump which shows that the original has faulty design. They also required a belt that operates pump to be replaced as well. This seems to have fixed the problem for now but this repair has a two year guarantee. Price for me to fix over $881+tax.

Filed Mar 14, 2019 · Brakes · 54,000 miles · CA

My 2016 gmc yukon xl recently began having a hard brake pedal when reversing out of parking spots, or when rolling downhill. A couple of times, when rolling forward downhill it malfunctioned causing me to run into a ditch. . The hard brake pedal had caused me to not be able to stop the vehicle several times. It would roll backwards (or forwards) until I shifted it in to gear or gave it gas. A few times I almost hit vehicles and pedestrians in my son's school carpool lane. There is no warning. No check engine light. Just the horrible rock hard brake pedal which turns out to be a faulty vacuum pump per napa jimmy vasser chevrolet, that has now cost me $711.00 because it is not covered under warranty. My car has 54,000 miles on it. This is unacceptable.